REVIEW: TRAIN DREAMS

4/5

The Man Who Cut Down Trees

102 Mins. Starring: Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Clifton Collins Jr., Alfred Hsing, Nathaniel Arcand, Kerry Condon & William H. Macy. Narrator: Will Patton. Screenplay: Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar. Director: Clint Bentley. On: Netflix.

What dreams may come. The darkest horse for February's Academy Awards may just be a cerebral elegy so poetic, it should be one of Netflix's fall prestige pictures, whilst everyone is binging the final season of 'Stranger Things'. Clint Bentley's brutal and beautiful 'Train Dreams', adapting Denis Johnson's ('Jesus' Son', 'Tree Of Smoke') novel with Greg Kwedar ('Sing Sing'), starring ever underrated 'Loving' actor Joel Edgerton ('Black Mass', 'Midnight Special', 'Boy Erased'), will hit you in the home of where it hurts. If only we could still see it in cinemas, where it's nature looks as compelling as 'The Revenant'. A few birthday's back, my best friend brought me the book, 'The Black Fives: The Epic Story Of Basketball's Forgotten Era', by Claude Johnson. A beautiful basketball book, but also a rich and compelling history of industry in America. Just like this story, serving as a love letter to the landscape of the Stars and Stripes of the past. To paraphrase the great Ben Harper, somewhat, "you have to live my life to get boots (nailed to the tree trunk) like these."

More, "the man who cut down trees", than Jean Giono's 'The Man Who Planted Trees' (another story that also had a profound effect on me, this year), there are some poetic and powerful things to be said here about deforestation and the circles of times that ring true in the trunks. Most, delivered by campfire, by the great William H. Macy in one of his greatest roles yet, worthy of an award. Just like the feature and adapted screenplay nominations, these dreams from Sundance got at this calendar's Gotham Awards. Yet it's the engrossing Edgerton who you will stay with all the way through this epic about the life and times of a humble heart. Whether, it's the beautiful love shared with fellow 'Star Wars' actor, the fantastic Felicity Jones ('The Brutalist, 'The Theory Of Everything') in the meadow, literally playing house, and fondly feeling like family, like 'Loving' Ruth Negga. Or what the great Kerry Condon brings ('Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri', 'The Banshees of Inisherin'). Briefly, but beautifully. Just like the great Clifton Collins Jr. From '187', to 'Nightmare Alley', who will stir you more in one scene, than the echos of your wildest dreams. Or is that nightmares?

Narrated with nuanced beauty by 'Armageddon' actor Will Patton ('Remember The Titans', 'The Postman', 'Minari'). They don't hand out awards for narration. But if they did, he'd hold the envelope. It's funny, me and my friend, who had a running story (in good heart and humour) about the space shuttle his character leaves on the stoop in 'Armageddon', just got talking again about all that, this week, ten years later, thanks to Facebook memories. And you know what, from 'Blood On Her Name', to an award-winning turn in the late, great Sam Shepard's play 'Fool For Love', Will really is something. As are the haunting stuntman and martial artist Alfred Hsing and Nathaniel Arcand's ('Sinners') kindly shopkeeper. All across the American frontier, this logger longs for meaning in the madness of his life. From what he cuts, to what the fire takes at night, before a morning of ash and dust like fresh snowfall on the grey of his winter. Breaking down his career for Vanity Fair recently, 'Blue Moon' and 'Black Phone 2' accomplished actor Ethan Hawke brought back that famous saying about real movies starting the moment you leave the theatre. And when you put your laptop lid down, these dreams will stay with your waking train of thought until the end of the line. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Loving', 'The Power Of The Dog', 'The Revenant'.

TV REVIEW: FORTNITE X THE SIMPSONS

3/5

Doh-nite!

4 Episodes. Starring: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria & Harry Shearer. Created By: Matt Groening. On: Hulu & Disney+.

I'm forty, I don't know much about Fortnite (I thought it was two weeks), but I do know something about 'The Simpsons', as my old a## buys a new Evergreen Terrace family sweatshirt from Japan's convenience store, Family Mart, like the two strands on the top of my scalp aren't starting to resemble Homer hair. But I will say this, Fornite x The Simpsons (the 'X' means "and", fellow old heads) was a lot of fun. Much like the 'Funday Football' collaboration with the NFL, this time last year. And now you can replay the live event that streamed from Stockholm on Disney Plus.

I'm more Lenny and Carl (not like that), than Bart and Milhouse, that I can't come up with any good reason why I would want to watch people play video games. OK. I guess I'm more Abe Simpson here. But this is a different type of Twitching. I always wanted to be the one actually playing the game, as I never did have a console as a kid. My parents said it would have distracted me from my studies. They had a point, but I proved them wrong by failing regardless. Yet, here this sponsored contents from Epic Games at Sweden's Comic Con gave us a taste of what it would be like if both The Simpsons and Fornite's worlds immersed and merged together. Exploring this universe really is epic. Whether you're hitting the Kwik-E-Mart, like Snake. Writing lines on the board with Bart. Or sleeping on the job with Homer at the nuclear power plant. It's all accessible. Everything you see under the cloud iconic titles of the Duff Blimp. Which has a different message each time, except that Ice Cube's a pimp!

And if you thought that was it, 'Apocalypse DOH'! As a series of Fortnite related short streams of episodes have been released weekly over this month to celebrate this collaboration with more "content"...that's what the cool kids say, apparently. This merger is made real by the lever pulling back and forth between some Fortnite heroes and your favourite space slobbering aliens who are still merely exchanging protein strings. Kudos to Kang and Kodos for making us not have to concentrate with the science bit. In the first of these epic episode shorts that you should eat, Homer finds a crystal that turns The Simpsons family TV remote control into something similar that Adam Sandler had in the classic 'Click'. With all that power in his hand, Homer can turn fire hydrants into chocolate ones, a cat into an Iron Man like Easter Egg (here's to the Marvel of their Disney neighbours) and our hairlines into something stronger than Mayor Quimby's latest excuse for leaving his mayoral sash draped on the balcony of some sleazy motel.

Then the Michael Keaton like 'Multiplicity' of the next episode, that plays like a trailer for this collaboration, is raining "mmm, donuts", ay, caramba. So much remote power, that even Professor Frink has to spilt. What with the forts and the nites, and soooo maaany bananaaaas.  All adding up to an actual, epic episode. As big as the attack of the 50-foot Homer, after police Chief Wiggum got his Neo in 'The Matrix' on, taking out more Homer's than Ohtani. What a trip in the clouds for 'The Simpsons'. Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? All the way to the small season finale of 'The Incredible Bulk', with the yellow giant submerged like a submarine. You won't like him when he's hungry. It's enough to make that banana peel. For night time viewing, nothing is bigger than Homer and his new odyssey. Let's play. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Simpsons: Yellow Planet', 'The Simpsons: The Past And The Furious', 'The Simpsons: Funday Football'.

STAND-UP REVIEW: SEBASTIAN MANISCALO - IT AIN'T RIGHT

4/5

Right On Time

57 Mins. Starring: Sebastian Maniscalo. Director: Paul Dugdale. On: Hulu & Disney +.

Ain't it always the way? You wait all day for a comedian to make you laugh, and then two come along all at once. On the same day that Kevin Hart returns to Netflix for his sensational special, 'Acting My Age', the great Sebastian Maniscalo jumps ship to Hulu and Disney Plus after giving Netflix the hilarious likes of 'Is It Me', 'Stay Hungry' and 'Aren't You Embarrassed'. What?! Is the 'Green Book' actor supposed to be doing this for free? Hart opened his return to Netflix with an all woman quartet's overture in Miami. Here, Maniscalo enters a sold-out Chicago stadium on a Ducati. Screw your stereotypes. And he has something to say about the Chi-town folk residing outside. Did the wind make their faces this way?

Maniscalo's mannerisms are as spot-on and unmatched as his outstanding observations. Returning to his roots in Illinois, Kevin Hart may offend the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan, with the baggy jeans of his special, but with 'It Ain't Right', Sebastian brings the old United Center house, that the Chicago Bull called home, all the way down as he raises to the stage with a microphone in his fist, held above his head in pride. The same pride that pulls off that baseball jacket, that's anything but minor league. I'm not joining in with Kev, Mike, what you did with baseball, and why, was actually beautiful. Number 23 has a statue outside of this center, but after what Maniscalo does unanimously with United, he deserves his jersey up there in the rafters with all those banners. Or at least a retirement of that jacket.

The round stage for a comic that's sold out Madison Square Garden is perfect for a man, who, like Kevin acting his age, needs to watch his MSG. This fiftysomething fellow comedian contemporary talks about how he looks now compared to the man in the mirror, twenties, going from Dorian Gray to Frankenstein. Although, we think this silver fox has still got it. Besides, I've just turned forty, but the party left my hairline a long time ago. Mirrors? I wish I was a vampire right now. And don't talk to me about the pale skin. Or get Sebastian started on teeth. I guess we all can't be Jeff Bezos. But what Maniscalo says about Amazon is prime-time viewing. Perhaps they need to sign him up for his next streaming comedy. Because this is better, albeit absolutely hilarious, product placement than that Ice Cube 'War Of The Worlds' disaster. For all the stuff you're pausing on TV now, this is one to actually watch and tell people about. The comedian who starred in the semi-autobiographical film, 'About My Father' with Robert De Niro, is in anything but a "slow decay". Ain't that right? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: Sebastian Maniscalo - 'Is It Me', Sebastian Maniscalo 'Stay Hungry', Kevin Hart- 'Acting My Age'

STAND-UP REVIEW: KEVIN HART - ACTING MY AGE

4/5

Age Appropriate

66 Mins. Starring: Kevin Hart. Director: Leslie Small. On: Netflix.

Acting right, Kevin Hart gives us a blisteringly brilliant return to form with his new live special, 'Acting My Age', on Netflix. Over the 'Ride Along' years with this million's moving actor/comedian, he's rejuvenated previously cooked franchises with The Rock, almost hosted the Oscars, and been cancelled in the process. All over a doll house. But now, the biggest and smallest comedian on the planet is back. Following hilarious Netflix specials like 'What Now?', 'Irresponsible' and 'Zero F**ks Given', not to mention movies like 'Fatherhood', 'Me Time', 'Lift' and 'The Man From Toronto', or shows like 'True Story', his 'Guide To Black History', or his 'Headliners Only' compelling documentary with fellow stand-up icon, Chris Rock.

Headlining this, one week after contributing to Netflix's 'Being Eddie' documentary, Hart gives Miami some heat like Dwyane Wade and them. Flash forward to now, following his roast of Tom Brady, Kevin is back spreading his feathers with the most successful streaming service after briefly leaving for Peacock for a 'Reality Check'. All on the same day that fellow hilarious contemporary Sebastian Maniscalo does the same thing for Hulu and Disney Plus ('It Ain't Right'). Setting it all off with an outstanding overture, it's a grand return and a beautiful reception of applause for a man who can't quite believe it himself. The all-female classic quartet bringing the house down with musical beauty behind perfect pianist Chloe Flower. All before, Hart launches into a joke about holding a dinner, so a family member could reveal he was gay. They already knew. And you already know that Kevin isn't for the faint of heart.

Yet the only one whose really going to be offended is Michael Jordan and those big a## jeans of his, as Kevin Hart goes for the G.O.A.T. of comedy again. More mature, and medicinal, with age. So take those laptops out of your back pockets and watch this like Usher. Because we need to talk about how Kevin is bringing it all back. The hilarious voices, mannerisms and body movements. It'll have you telling him your government name and social security number. And "let's ride" again on a real safari where Kevin beats his chest meeting a silver back gorilla before he drops the mic. King Kong ain't got s### on him! This is 40...and it's never been so funny. Whether he's telling us the old state he doesn't want to be in, with hilarious Martin Lawrence 'Runteldat' repercussions. Or saying he just wants to speak his mind, like the late, great Quincy Jones in his final inspired interviews. This might not be appropriate for everyone. But acting right, Kevin Hart is still one of the classic comics of our age. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: Kevin Hart - 'Irresponsible', Sebastian Maniscalo - 'It Ain't Right', 'Headliners Only'.

REVIEW: BLACK PHONE 2

3/5

Return Call

114 Mins. Starring: Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, Demián Bichir & Ethan Hawke. Screenplay: Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill. Director: Scott Derrickson. In: Theatres.

Pumpkins rotting on the porch isn't really a thing here in Japan. As soon as scary season is finished, the festive feeling of Christmas comes. And even those trees and decorations end up on a milk carton, come the literal Boxing Day, for a functional and practical place. Nevertheless, after scaring screens in the states, 'Black Phone 2' finally connects with audiences in the land of the rising sun. Halloween may be over, but this sinister sequel still haunts. The first rotary 'Black Phone', in a cubicle Colin Farrell is familiar with, became a cult hit in the COVID Krueger-d 2021. As 'Dead Poets Society', 'Reality Bites' and 'First Reformed' acting great Ethan Hawke, and his iconic mask (that can change facial expression), became one of the newest and most underrated horror villains. Scaring the beejeebus out of a young Mason Thames, Madeline McGraw, and their pop, nursing grief with drink, Jeremy Davis. 'The Black Phone', from 'The Exorcism Of Emily Rose' and 'Doctor Strange' director Scott Derrickson (with a screenplay with C. Robert Cargill ('Into The Dark')), dialled up the numbers. And now here we are in the wilderness of sequel territory.

But skating on thin, 'Little Women' ice, don't hang up, 'Black Phone 2' works, even though the last time we saw Ethan Hawke's Grabber, he was fish food. But hey, if you can hear dead people from the sixth sense of a landline, then stranger things can happen. This supernatural horror film sees Thames and McGraw's Finney and Gwen heading to a winter youth camp that looks like something straight out of the 'Dog Years' of an old Maggie Rogers video. And in this frozen tundra, they suddenly become in grabbing distance again. All whilst trying to investigate, not only what happened to three boys, but what also drove their own mother to death. After Derrickson, Cargill and Hawke gave us 'Sinister' (to those who read my review, I finally faced my fear and watched Jack White in concert, this year), they knew that grainy, camcorder like footage finds fear in theatres. And after this one, you'll never watch a home video again. Let alone pick up the phone. The tone is that terrifying.

Back to black, Mason Thames is on a career tear this year. What with his big-three as the lead in the live action version of 'How To Train Your Dragon', the award worthy 'Regretting You', and now as the face of this franchise in front of the mask. He really comes in to his own here, with a commanding performance, whether wailing on some guy, or refusing to run scared from 'The Purge' star who haunted his boyhood. The great Jeremy Davies (the once who frustratingly broke your heart in 'Saving Private Ryan', unrecognizable from that here) offers even more nuance as the alcohol addled father. Whilst sequel addition Demián Bichir ('The Hateful Eight', 'Alien: Covenant') adds even more grit and gravitas with a cabin beard almost as knotted and knitted as that cable knit sweater. But in this sequel, it's Madeleine McGraw (with some "choice" words) who's the real star of the show, coming out, like an exorcism. 'Ant-Man and the Wasp's' Hope, who looks like she could be the sister of Nancy in 'Stranger Things', is another star for sure. Even next to a great like Ethan, who is having his own year with the one for them, and one for him in the Oscar worthy 'Blue Moon'. But just wait until he calls you here. Nothing is phoned in from an actor who always connects. This receiver won't fade to black. It's back! Pick up. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Black Phone', 'Sinister', 'Blue Moon'.

REVIEW: SPRINGSTEEN - DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE

3.5/5

Deliverance

119 Mins. Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong, Paul Walter Hauser, Odessa Young, Marc Maron, Gaby Hoffmann & Stephen Graham. Screenplay: Scott Cooper. Director: Scott Cooper. In: Theatres.

The Boss and his life and times are so deep and vast, you'd need a series of movies (hint, hint), or a TV syndicate to show all that he's done. From being a runaway American dream, to writing songs for those who lost their lives to the terrorist attacks of 9/11. And it's that powerful and profound penmanship for others that steers and drives 'Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere', based on the book by Warren Zanes ('Deliver Me From Nowhere') and Bruce Springsteen's own 'Born To Run' memoir. There have been many movies already made by The Boss himself (see, 'Western Stars'). And the man, who wrote Oscar winning title tracks for 'The Wrestler' and 'Streets Of Philadelphia', even took his 'Springsteen On Broadway' one-man show to Netflix. Bruce even co-signed the beautiful 'Blinded By The Light' (much in the same guitar string vein as 'Yesterday' for The Beatles) movie about an Indian teenager from the UK who has inspired so much by Springsteen, he went on a pilgrimage to America just to see him play.

Delivering us from nowhere though, this strong Scott Cooper ('Out Of The Furnace', 'Black Mass', 'Hostiles') written and directed piece, knows music and the man behind it. What more could you expect from the man who gave us Jeff Bridges and his 'Crazy Heart'? I bet you didn't expect to get a Springsteen and Bob Dylan biopic in the same calendar cycle, though. Not to mention ones starring men of the moment, Timothée Chalamet and Jeremy Allen White. What a time to be alive in this music and movie, epic entertainment industry. And just like James Mangold's 'A Complete Unknown' focuses on particular points in Dylan's life (notably, going electric), 'Deliver Me From Nowhere' (based on a line from a track ('Open All Night'), like that 'Rolling Stone' one), takes a look at the recording of one of Bruce's deepest and darkest records. The personal passion project and painstaking labour of love of 'Nebraska'. The black, white and red album, with no singles, press, promotion, or even a picture of Bruce on the record jacket, that featured the likes of 'Atlantic City', 'Mansion On The Hill' and 'Johnny 99'. 

Springsteen himself released the reissue 'Nebraska '82' (featuring some electric cuts) to accompany the movie's opening night. And purists will love this compelling feature that critics are yawning at, but Oscar shouldn't ignore. But for the crowd pleasers, there's an opening performance of 'Born To Run', with Allen White sweating like Springsteen, and a closing classic studio session, that feels like a spoiler if we speak on it, to bookend this story. Nuanced and cutting, 'Nebraska' was made in a faraway house in Colts Neck (where hits like 'Born In The U.S.A.' and 'I'm On Fire' were also conceived) by Springsteen and one recording engineer (played perfectly by 'Richard Jewell's' Paul Walter Hauser ('I, Tonya', 'Fantastic Four: First Steps')). Recording demos on a four-track, that led to a Holy Grail like cassette that didn't even have a case. But this film is all for the Jeremy's, like Pearl Jam. Emmy winning star of 'The Bear', Jeremy Allen White, is perfect as Bruce Springsteen, all the way down to the weary voice. Even if the contacts that cover his baby blues takes some of his soul. I mean, this is a man who is about to play Jabba the Hutt's son in 'The Mandalorian & Grogu'. Now, that's range.

Yet, it's 'Succession' star Jeremy Strong, who steals the show, especially in the third act, as Jon Landau, Springsteen's day one, long time, manager and record producer. Bespectacled and with thinning hair (look who's writing), but always willing to fight for Bruce, in full. Jeremy, doing for Jeremy what he did for Sebastian Stan's Donald Trump in last year's 'The Apprentice', following The Boss beefing with the President of the United States, this summer. Played perfectly by Strong and Allen White, this pair know each other like a crack in the door. Elsewhere, there's a Hollywood scripted romance in the boardwalk air, aboard a carousel, like 'We Live In Time', that feels real thanks to the outstanding Odessa Young ('Looking For Grace', 'The Daughter'). And even Marc Maron ('Glow', 'To Leslie') shows up as Chuck Plotkin as the studio plot thickens. But it's the performance from Bruce's parents that will really leave you proud. The great Gaby Hoffmann (from 'Uncle Buck' and 'Sleepless In Seattle' to 'C'mon C'mon' and 'Winning Time') and the amazing 'Adolescence' winner of our very own Stephen Graham, who adds this track to a formidable filmography of Hollywood heavy-lifting. Delivering us from evil, and his own demons of depression, when it comes to those tougher than the rest, where can you find someone stronger than Springsteen? Nowhere. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Springsteen On Broadway', 'Blinded By The Light', 'A Complete Unknown'.

REVIEW: PRINCE - SIGN "☮" THE TIMES (IMAX)

4/5

Peace

85 Mins. Starring: Prince. Director: Prince. In: IMAX Theatres.

By royal appointment, O(+> is back in theatres. Remember during Prince's 'Hit n Run' phase, before he passed, when he was on the revamped 'The Arsenio Hall Show' for the nostalgia? The legendary Arsenio asked the icon if he was on Instagram. Prince replied that he was going to have, "Princestagram" (amazing). Now, with the return of his critically-acclaimed, classic concert film 'Sign "☮" Of The Times', from 1987, in IMAX theatres. We ain't trying to botch that name ("IPrince" sounds like something from Apple, we're good), but perhaps the IMAX blue light should have turned purple for this outstanding occasion. Especially when here in Tokyo (sharing the experience with an amazing artist in their own right), Prince's  "☮" sign played in a cinema under Shinagawa's Prince Hotel...and a cherry moon. 

For a minute there, I lost myself, like Radiohead, and thought they had made Prince signs special for this presentation. Blame my inability to read Kanji. Anyway, between all the Studio Ghibli re-releases ('Princess Mononoke') and BTS concerts (J-Hope) in Japanese theatres right now, Prince hit IMAX like Christopher Nolan with his odyssey. I may have been two years old when this concert was conceived, but it's an absolute classic that still holds up to this day. Even with its inspired intro, nuanced in nostalgia, directed by the man that gave us the Lake Minnetonka purifying scenes of his own 'Purple Rain' movie. And even that classic, that came before in '84', didn't have to close this compelling concert when Prince had 'The Cross' to bear in an epic finale. 'Little Red Corvette' ('1999'), on a piano and a microphone, being the only hit from another records making it to these times. Otherwise, it was a 'Housequake' of 'Slow Love' and other timeless love songs like 'If I Was Your Girlfriend' and 'I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man'. 'Hot Thing' and the official video for 'U Got The Look', featuring Sheena Easton at intermission. Boy versus girl, in the World Series of love.

Charlie Parker also got a cover ('Now's The Time') in a sensational set as outstanding as Prince's true, glam rock star outfits on the neon Moulin Rouge like stage in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Playing to the Paisley Park pastel and paint of this trip's theatrical poster. The band's all here too. Even some comic-foils from The Revolution era. But from the prescriptions on the keys of Doctor Fink, to the influential introduction of dancer Cat Glover, it was the great Sheila E. on the skins, who truly took your breath away. Especially with one hell of a drum solo (see Prince's Brit Awards performance for more), that she did with sticks, and even her hands (DAMN!). Between sweet segues, showing you a ring in a shop window (before the formidable 'Forever In My Life', bringing The Artist himself to tears, showcasing such skill in asking the backing singers to back up for a shadowy sound), Prince did spins and splits more times than you and your pants when you slip on a banana. They say in IMAX you can hear everything so clear, from a pin drop, to a jumbo jet soar. Yet, Prince was so much more. Playing in the sunshine, it was always going to be a beautiful night. ☮. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

 

Further Filming: 'Purple Rain', 'Under The Cherry Moon', 'Graffiti Bridge'.

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: BEING EDDIE

4/5

Coming To The American Dream

100 Mins. Starring: Eddie Murphy. Director: Angus Wall. On: Netflix.

What has Eddie done for us lately? It turns out, everything. The 'Raw' stand-up legend, who followed in the stage steps of the late, great Richard Pryor and paved the way for everyone from Chris Rock, to Denzel Washington, has become a movie legend. From '48 Hrs.' to 'Trading Places' and 'Shrek'. Even making music, like the huge hit 'Party All The Time', dancing with Michael Jackson and chilling with Prince and Rick James for some true Hollywood stories. But lately, Eddie has returned to the studios of Saturday Night Live, where it all started. Chopping it up with the likes of Chappelle, Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan and them. All whilst calling it bygones with David Spade. Because this is no fallen star. You wish! Since then, Murphy's law has given us new films for his hit franchises 'Coming To America' and 'Beverly Hills Cop'. The latter, on Netflix, like his return movie 'Dolemite Is My Name', that should have given the man, who spoke out at the Oscars, one, like 'Dreamgirls'. Damn you, 'Norbit'!

Now Netflix gives us the documentary, 'Being Eddie', directed by two-time Oscar winner Angus Wall (for editing 'The Social Network' and 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo'). Continuing the trend of the streaming service giving us great docs (like a pair of boots), most recently with their second season of the NBA's 'Starting 5'. But this is more in the line of films about 'Arnold' Schwarzenegger (when's that 'Triplets' sequel coming out) and 'Sly' Stallone from N, as they build their own golden era Mount Rushmore with 'The Golden Child'. Featuring testimonials from comedian contemporaries Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle and Jamie Foxx. All with the golden handcuffs of their own Netflix deals, acting with Eddie in his 'Harlem Nights', 'The Nutty Professor' (forever fond memories of my mum laughing hysterically at their scene together) and 'Dreamgirls'. Not to mention the likes of co-stars Arsenio Hall (pay attention to what he says about pitting black stars against each other for your MJ and Prince, or King, debate), Pete Davidson (see Amazon) and the great Jerry Seinfeld who has a profound thing to say about the flattery (and venom) of fame, that we all know...doesn't last forever. Even though Eddie might get 'Delirious' with stand-up again.

Gone as quickly as 'Pluto Nash', or playing a rocket ship (I actually loved 'Meet Dave'). A falling star always comes back to earth. And that's where Murphy finds family, faith (like another underrated gem in 'Holy Man') and a new path to forge ahead. Now at home in California, with a bounty of beauty around him, the icon is in the perfect place, playing with puppets of the GOATS that came before him for the most hilarious moments of this doc. One that is so candid and compelling. Inspiring and interesting for this influential figure who broke through and showed us that black lives on screen mattered more than the racism that kept names that weren't Sidney and Harry previously in the margins. Murphy even marvels at how a member of the klan even liked his work. And just wait until you hear what one Hollywood legend wanted him to do with his wife, etc, etc. It's a story like no other, like his life. Giving it up for his mother and father, and his late brother Charlie. Reaffirming that those 'Chappelle Show' skits concerning Prince and Rick James were actually true...b####! Next up for Eddie is a biopic about George Clinton and a famous Pink Panther inspector previously played by 'Bowfinger' co-star Steve Martin. Think the man in the make-up and masks has what it takes? Why not? Eddie is used to being, and being loved by, everybody. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Arnold', 'Sly', 'Dolemite Is My Name's.

REVIEW: ELIO

3.5/5

To Infinity...And Beyond

98 Mins. Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brandon Moon, Matthias Schweighöfer, Brad Garrett & Jameela Jamil. Screenplay: Julia Cho, Mark Hammer & Mike Jones. Director: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi & Adrian Molina. On: Disney +.

The only movies more concerned with family, than Disney, are ones starring Vin Diesel. And we're rooting for Pixar's Summer movie 'Elio', now it makes its Disney Plus streaming debut, one week after the 'First Steps' of Marvel's 'Fantastic Four'. Armed with a colander as a space helmet, and a blanket as his superhero cape, Elio is one kid who has been through it...and we're not talking about the eye patch, either. Losing both his parents (there Disney goes again), and now an orphan, this young boy lives with Olga, his aunt. An Air Force major who has given up her NASA dreams to take care of her nephew. But this astro boy looks to the stars too. Wishing upon them, or hoping to find a whole new world out there. Tuning into his ham radio, Elio actually wants to be abducted by aliens. Obviously, he's never seen 'Independence Day'.

In this lovely movie, directed by the Disney big-three of Madeline Sharafian ('Burrow'), Domee Shi ('Turning Red') and Adrian Molina ('Coco'), off a script from the trio of Julia Cho ('Turnign Red' again), Mark Hammer and Mike Jones ('Soul'), young Yonas Kibreab voices are intrepid explorer in a breakout role. Yet the real star, or voice, of the show is 'Emilia Perez' Oscar winner Zoe Saldaña (of the 'Guardians Of The Galaxy', 'Avatar' and 'Star Trek' franchise films) as an amazing aunt, we all know well. 'Elio' also stars Remy Edgerly, Brandon Moon, Matthias Schweighöfer, Brad Garrett and 'The Good Place' of Jameela Jamil in a fond and favourable film that will remind you of everything from 'Super 8' and the 'Flight Of The Navigator', nuance in nostalgia, to Disney's own 'Lilo & Stitch', 'WALL-E' and 'Coco' for its dedication to family gone, but still living on in the devotion of our hearts.

And the magic of science, like that Mexican music, as 'Elio', like 'Luca', goes interstellar on his voyage. One where he meets some of the cutest creatures and sentient beings that won't have you scared of creepy crawlies, or even A.I. any more. Especially when they swaddle you, or call you by their name. Going intergalactic like the Beastie Boys, this kid is one hell of a heaven sent ambassador. Especially when he negotiates around potential star wars with the cutest bargaining chip. 'Elio' may have underperformed at the box-office, but what doesn't these days (Disney' 'Tron: Ares', we're looking in your direction)? Yet now it finds a home on the earthbound Disney Plus, this film about social isolation is set to breakout like adolescent acne. This attack of the clones even gives you a thumbs up 'Terminator' reference in a film chocolate chocked full of Easter eggs that will have you crying with laughter (I promise...it's laughter). So salute this film that is pure fan and family service. Um-Earth will never be the same. Okay, bye. I love you. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Flight Of The Navigator', 'Lilo & Stitch', 'WALL-E'

REVIEW: FRANKENSTEIN

4/5

It's Alive

150 Mins. Starring: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, Burn Gorman, Ralph Ineson, David Bradley, Charles Dance & Christoph Waltz. Screenplay: Guillermo del Toro. Director: Guillermo del Toro. On: Netflix.

Desire to divine Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein'. It's no secret that the 'Pan's Labyrinth' and 'The Shape Of Water', Academy-Award winning director, has long-harboured a yearn to reanimate Mary Shelley's 1818 classic novel into a passion project of his own. And now, rocking a boat (the Royal Danish Navy's Horisont) with Netflix, 'The Devil's Backbone' and 'Nightmare Alley' director can add his first film since his real and richer than Disney, 'Pinocchio' picture, to his cabinet of curiosities. Although it, and its 'Crimson Peak' tones, belong on the biggest, IMAX inspired, slice of silver (which it had, albeit in limited takes), and not those small smartphone streaming screens. All as this gothic science fiction drama, directed, written and produced by the Mexican maestro, becomes one of the greatest Frankenstein adaptations since the 1910 movie produced by the inventor of the lightbulb, Thomas Edison. Whether Hammer films, 'Van Helsing', or even 'Frankenweenie'.

Universal Pictures almost even added a Frankenstein movie to their abandoned Dark Universe, that unravelled after Tom Cruise's 'The Mummy' flop, set to star 'No Country For Old Men' and 'Dune's' Javier Bardem. And we still want to see that, like the amazing actor, himself, does. Yet, who better to take on Victor Frankenstein (James McAvoy came close) than the dark materials master of del Toro? The 'Hellboy' and 'Blade II' dynamic director, with sticks of dynamite, is faithful to Shelley's 'Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus' (even at one perfect shot, looking like Ridley Scott's 'Prometheus') sacred text. The perfect companion. Really showing that this epic story is all about the loneliness stirring at the hearts of men, not just repressed rage, before people start pasting it as a poster for the 'Tortured Boys Club' epidemic. This, instead, is beautifully poetic, even profound in moments at its most brutal. Because, streaming this weekend, one week after Halloween, as part of a monster mash with the 'Predator: Badlands' sequel, there's one thing you have to know. I will call this man a monster no longer.

Or maybe two things. When trick or treaters knock at your door, and you see that famous square green mask, with a bowl cut, and bolts coming out its neck, what do you think? Frankenstein, right? Right?! Wrong! That's the Creature. Victor Frankenstein is the man who made this gentle giant. But then again, maybe this is Mary's point. Because we all know who the real monster is now, don't we? Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro in 'Mary Shelley's Frankenstein'. Even Sting. But now it's Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi's turn as the arrogant scientist and the devastating consequences. And the perfect pair make for a powerhouse and powder keg of a combustible combination. Telling their own tales for parts, after the prelude for the post finale wraparound to GDT's stitched together storytelling arcs. An inspired Isaac ('A Most Violent Year', 'Ex Machina', 'Moon Knight') is back to his 'Inside Llewyn Davis' best, like this modern day Pacino is one of the most underrated thespians around. Delivering dark and fantastic foreboding since the terrific trailer. But an unleashed Jacob Elordi ('Saltburn', Elvis in 'Priscilla') is a different, haunted beast altogether. Put bolts in that golden statue's neck.

Elsewhere, the glorious Mia Goth ('A Cure For Wellness', 'X') offers even more grace gravitas to this big, bold and beautiful picture. Far from just the "scream queen" title, she rebukes. On double-duty, playing both Frankenstein's late mother, and his brother's wife, this is far from a Freudian slip. This is a woman's love that influences everything a man, who misses his, goes through. The brother who art thou is played perfectly by 'All Quiet On The Western Front' breakout talent Felix Kammerer ('Eden', 'All The Light We Cannot See'), delivering the most devastating dialogue. 'The Witcher', 'Sherlock' and 'Ahsoka' actor Lars Mikkelsen also makes a killing as the Copenhagen captain. Guillermo del Toro's 'Pacific Rim' comic-relief Burn Gorman takes names as an executioner. And even Galactus himself, Ralph Ineson ('Nosferatu') shows up with that iconic voice to an incredible scene in the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. But for GDT, it's the big-three of 'GOT' actors David Bradley and Charles Dance, and the iconic Christoph Waltz ('Inglourious Basterds', 'Django Unchained'), fresh off having you dying laughing at 'Only Murders In The Building', that really flip the switch. The electricity is charged. A victorious Frankenstein. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Pan's Labyrinth', 'The Shape Of Water', 'Crimson Peak'.

REVIEW: PREDATOR - BADLANDS

4/5

Caught In A Crossfire

107 Mins. Starring: Elle Fanning & Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Screenplay: Patrick Aison. Director: Dan Trachtenberg. In: Theatres.

The hunt is back on, but like you've never been preyed on before. Director Dan Trachtenberg ('10 Cloverfield Lane', 'The Boys' pilot) is to the 'Predator' franchise, what the Russo Brothers are to Marvel. Ever since 2022's 'Prey' revived the dread locked hunter. Taking what was previously a co-'Terminator', Arnold Schwarzenegger star vehicle (a chopper?), like rival Sly Stallone had 'Rocky' and 'Rambo', and making it as worthy a cult science-fiction as the 'Planet Of The Apes', or the 'Alien' cousin its gone 'V' head-to-head with (check the Easter Eggs). Hunting down the forest of films, including 'Predator 2' (starring "too old for this s###" Danny Glover and his lethal weapon), 'Predators' (with 'The Brutalist' Oscar winner, Adrien Body) and the even more confusingly titled 'The Predator' ensemble, to be king. All these 'Fast & Furious' (the fourth film) subtle name changes to try and recharge the franchise with a new beginning. Only for a complete shift to truly bring this predator, that is now 'Prey', back to its roots.

Trachtenberg has taken us even further with two releases this calendar, like Willie Nelson, directing the amazing animated 'Predator: Killer Of Killers' that heated up this summer on Hulu and Disney Plus and furthered the franchise. Dan is the man, and he really needs to give us that World War II idea, in the trenches killing Nazis, like Tarantino, for what sounds like the most fun since the zombie bonus you unearthed in 'Call Of Duty'. But for now, he gives us 'Predator: Badlands', one week after Halloween. All for a monster mash that sees Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein', starring Oscar Isaac, come alive on Netflix this weekend. Speaking of 'Badlands' for a head-on collision, smashing in your guts, if you were disappointed with the Bruce Springsteen 'Deliver Me from Nowhere' biopic starring 'The Bear' Jeremy Allen White, then this fear so real, that wants your heart and soul, is no sin. Alive with the fact that it's starting to treat the 'Predator' franchise good.

"First hunt. Last chance," the perfect poster reads for this film, scripted by Patrick Aison. In this ninth instalment and seventh solo film, the Predator is one who wants to earn his cloak, getting it in the mandibles from his father after his brother tries to show him the way. Our hunter, Dek, from the planet Yautja Prime, is the runt of the litter (I mean, look at this guy! How do you even market this movie?), who must claim his prize if he wants to show his "one ugly motherf#####" face back home. Unlucky for him, like a kid at a UFO catcher whose searching for toys his crane can't claim, the big beast in question has more lives than a comic-book character. Respawning like a video game. Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi ('Jonah', 'The Panthers') brings a brutal heart and beating soul, behind the Predator mask and make-up (this is what Van Damme should have done), but he'll need all the tools at his disposal. And this is where he meets an android in the form of Elle Fanning (more 'Alien' links? Especially with that power loader mech), and 'The Neon Demon' and 'A Complete Unknown' steals the show, without so much as a pair of legs, Lieutenant Dan. Even though they do their own a## kicking, (but we shouldn't spoil what more she brings here). This is one 'Predator' that's bad a##! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Predator', 'Prey', 'Predator: Killer Of Killers.'